KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club on their remarkable victory in the 2025 Nedbank Cup Final, which was hosted with great success in KwaZulu-Natal. The Premier also commends the runners-up for their spirited performance, which contributed to an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
The match not only captivated millions of football fans but also served as a major economic catalyst, injecting over *R93 million* into the provincial economy. Local businesses within the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment sectors experienced a surge in demand, and the event significantly boosted the Township Economy through local vendor participation and increased trading opportunities.
Premier Ntuli further applauded the *peaceful and incident-free nature* of the event:
*“KwaZulu-Natal is deeply honoured to have hosted a prestigious national final that unfolded in a safe, vibrant, and dignified manner. Our communities, spectators, and visitors demonstrated the very best of Ubuntu and national unity,”* said Premier Ntuli.
“This is a testament to the province’s growing capacity to deliver world-class events without compromising safety and public order. We thank our law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and all stakeholders who ensured the success of this occasion,” he added.
In line with the Provincial Government's broader development agenda, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the advancement of multiple sports codes across KwaZulu-Natal, especially in rural and historically underdeveloped communities.
“We are working to ensure that football is not the only code that thrives in KwaZulu-Natal. From netball and cricket to athletics, boxing, rugby, and indigenous games our young people must have access to diverse sporting opportunities, infrastructure, and development programmes,” Premier Ntuli stated.
Through partnerships with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, municipalities, and the private sector, the province is actively identifying and upgrading sporting facilities, supporting youth training programmes, and strengthening talent development pathways across all districts.
KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to being a sporting powerhouse not only through hosting major events, but by nurturing grassroots talent and ensuring that sport becomes a tool for economic empowerment, social transformation, and community pride.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr. Bongani Gina
Head of Provincial Government Communications
071 217 3037
Mr. Lindelani Mbatha
Media Liaison Officer
061 499 0774
*Issued by: The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government*